Protein sequence

Definition

A protein sequence is the order of amino acids in a protein, determined by the sequence of nucleotides in the corresponding gene. This sequence dictates the protein's structure and function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Protein sequences are directly translated from mRNA during translation.
2. The sequence starts with a start codon (usually AUG) and ends with a stop codon (UAA, UAG, or UGA).
3. Each amino acid in a protein is encoded by a specific set of three nucleotides called a codon.
4. Changes in the nucleotide sequence can lead to variations in the protein sequence, potentially causing functional changes or diseases.
5. Ribosomes play a critical role in reading mRNA and synthesizing proteins according to their sequences.

Review Questions

Related terms

Codon:

A set of three nucleotides on mRNA that encodes an amino acid.

Ribosome:

A molecular machine that facilitates the translation of mRNA into a protein.

Amino Acid:

The building blocks of proteins, each encoded by specific codons within mRNA.